Eradicating toxic pesticides

Pesticides are poisons. They are linked to long-term health problems, including diseases of the nervous system, reproductive disorders, birth defects and elevated risks of cancer.

Since our launch in 2000, EJF has campaigned to protect our natural environment and human health from the world’s most dangerous toxic pesticides. Spanning a decade, our campaign was able to raise international awareness of their catastrophic health risks and secure an international ban of one pesticide: Endosulfan.

For the promotion of better agricultural practice based on the reduced usage, reliance, and risk from pesticides, and to raise awareness of how the problems associated with pesticide use can be avoided through well-funded, extensive education programmes.

For the promotion of organic production and trade, and for companies and retailers to avoid sourcing products manufactured from cotton grown using harmful pesticides, ensure organic products are available for consumers and actively support the expansion of organic cotton production in the developing world.

99%

of the world’s cotton farmers

live and work in developing world countries - two-thirds reside in either India or China.

A global campaign

EJF’s work on toxic pesticides dates back to our launch in 2000. In the decade that followed, our reports the Deadly Chemicals in CottonandWhat’s Your Poison? highlighted the growing threats of pesticides, particularly to vulnerable farmers in the developing world, who often use them without protective clothing or masks, and close to children, livestock and family food crops.

Our campaign also took us to Cambodia, in 2002, where we worked with local NGO CEDAC to document the widespread use of one particular toxic pesticide - Endosulfan.

From the same family as DDT, prolonged exposure to Endosulfan has been linked to infertility, neurological disorders and physical deformities.

Around

3.5

billion kilograms

of pesticides are used every single year

Poisonous Pesticides

Pesticide poisoning impacts can include headaches, vomiting, tremors, respiratory problems and death, while long-term exposure can lead to impaired memory severe depression, diseases of the nervous system, reproductive disorders, birth defects and elevated risks of cancer.

Our 14-year-old boy was spraying pesticides. He fell like a raw fruit from the tree. He was gasping for breath and he died on the way to the hospital.

Family of a victim of pesticide poisoning

A public campaign for sustainable cotton

EJF continues to raise public, industry and political awareness of the most dangerous pesticides, and promote pesticide free agriculture, including organic food and textiles. As part of our public awareness campaign, EJF also produces its own range of ethical t-shirts, made from pesticide free cotton, aimed at showcasing the

A JUST-FOR t-shirt is sustainably sourced, pesticide free and has a carbon footprint just 10% of that of a conventional, non-organic, cotton t-shirt from the high street. Designers to date have included Dame Vivienne Westwood, The Rodnik Band, Eley Kishimoto, Katherine Hamnett CBE, Christian Lacroix, Kenzo, Giles Deacon and many more.

“Art and Fashion is a huge part of who I am, and I want my clothes to represent my values. Through supporting EJF’s JUST-FOR project I can... be a part of raising awareness towards building a more sustainable and transparent supply chain." - Philip Colbert, The Rodnik Band

Related items

What's Your Poison

ISBN 1-904523-03-X

Publication Date 2003-02-01

Type Report

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Every year, pesticides are estimated to cause tens of millions of cases of accidental poisoning. Many of these poisoning cases are in the developing world where awareness of the dangers is lacking. Symptoms of pesticide poisoning can range from short-term headaches and nausea to convulsions, unconsciousness or death. Longer-term effects include damage to nervous systems, respiratory and skin diseases, cancers and birth defects.

Death in Small Doses

Publication Date 2002-02-01

Type Report

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In 2001, the UN FAO and World Health Organisation estimated that developing countries spend US$3 billion annually on pesticides. However, one-third of these pesticides did not meet internationally accepted quality standards. Developing countries are used as a dumping ground for hazardous chemicals, many of which are banned throughout much of the rest of the world because of the serious threats they pose to human health and the natural environment. Cambodia is one such country.

This report outlines EJF’s program to combat the misuse of pesticides in Cambodia and limit the effects on people, wildlife and the natural environment.

End Of The Road For Endosulfan

A known killer and toxic to the environment, the pesticide endosulfan remains a serious health and environmental hazard.

Despite being banned in 62 countries, its continued production and use continues to poison and people and environments as a number of countries, led by India, stand in the way of a global ban.

This report by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) details the environmental and human impacts of one of the world's most dangerous and pervasive pesticides, highlighting why it should be banned globally.

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